The pattern of study and teaching is emerging.
There is a temptation in education to spread yourself too thin, and that's a temptation to avoid as no one educator can be all things. Therefore, visibly noting your goals and year's learning path is an essential ingredient to meeting the learning/teaching goals you set, and avoiding joining too many initiatives or promising efforts beyond the time available.
The overarching goals for the year are noted on this post, and the goals below set the weekly pattern, focus, and effort. Though seemingly repetitive, to reach goals with strength does take continual reflection, revision, and review--our strength in learning comes with the patterns we make and the reflection we do to direct those patterns towards good work.
Math
Math teaching is my primary charge this year. That means lots of study for me and the students. Our class website, Magnificent Math, will serve as the central location for all class resources, links, standards, and information. I'll continually update the website so that it serves as a relevant, helpful guide to review, grade-level, and enrichment math study.
The key is to stay one week ahead of the students with regard to studying the information, reviewing student work and assessments, and preparing learning materials.
Finally, prepping for related professional study is essential since that starts soon, and I'll continue efforts to share and learn via #mathchat5 and other Twitter chats which I find to be ready, accessible, efficient learning vehicles for educators today.
Science
Students LOVE science study and the hands-on investigation and creativity that goes with this. The key is making sure that we study science each week in ways that mirror learning to learn mindsets, actions, and process as noted in this post.
Further, introducing students to STEAM stars and reflecting on the lives of those individuals from the past and present provides children with mentors and models to follow as they think about their own lives and work. We've started this study with stories of George Washington Carver and a speech by Admiral McRaven.
Lastly, our teaching team is writing a grant to support visiting scientists to help both teachers and students learn the new standards with hands-on materials.
Buddies
We started our Friday buddy session this week. Each Friday students will work with kindergartners. This activity provides terrific leadership opportunities, engaging learning, and lots of fun. We hope to write a grant to support this share with wonderful, engaging learning materials.
Professional Study and Contribution
In many ways, our system leadership is reaching out to educators' voices and contribution. I hope to take part by participating in an achievement effort recently proposed.
With regard to professional study, I look forward to attending MassCUE, a terrific Massachusetts' tech conference, and Educon 2.7, Science Leadership Academy's terrific professional learning event.
Success Criteria
I imagine that education leader and researcher, John Hattie, would say, "What is your success criteria?" since Hattie's research demonstrates that all learning should begin by identifying the success criteria. The success criteria for this year's program includes the following:
- Students learn, master, and potentially exceed identified grade-level math and science standards.
- Students enjoy math and science study.
- The Buddy program serves to develop fifth grade students' leadership and academic skills and the kindergartner's knowledge, skill, and concept.
- Professional learning will build my ability to teach math and science well in blended, engaging ways that reflect current research as well as help me to be a valued contributor in the organization I work for.
Understanding the path well helps one to travel with confidence and focus. Yet, it's also important to leave some room for family, serendipity, and surprise.
What path have you created for the teaching/learning year ahead? Did I miss any critical points? What is your success criteria? If interested, let me know.
What path have you created for the teaching/learning year ahead? Did I miss any critical points? What is your success criteria? If interested, let me know.
